The 90-year-old Preston nan who skydived for charity this weekend

Pensioner Patria Baker took the plunge and jumped 15,000 feet from a moving plane yesterday to raise money for two organisations that have helped support her disabled grandson.
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After her 90th birthday celebrations were put on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic, gran-of-four Patricia, from Farington, had planned to skydive over Lancaster in a bid to raise money for causes close to her heart.

And this weekend, on October 4, she finally proved age is just a number and completed the challenge with the support of her three children Carole, Michael and Stephen, raising money for Derian House and Hillside specialist school.

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In a video created by Black Knight's skydive centre, Patricia said she was feeling 'apprehensive' before the jump but afterwards - and a little windswept - said she 'couldn't explain the feeling'.

90-year-old Patricia after her 15,000 feet skydive  Photo: Black Knights parachute centre90-year-old Patricia after her 15,000 feet skydive  Photo: Black Knights parachute centre
90-year-old Patricia after her 15,000 feet skydive Photo: Black Knights parachute centre

The feat was well worth it, raising almost £3,000 for Chorley's Derian House - a children's hospice ensuring care for young people with life-limiting illnesses and for developments of a sensory room at Hillside specialist school, which supports her disabled grandchild Max.

Her daughter Carole Green had first deemed her 90-year-old mother as 'crazy' and said the family 'could't believe it' when they were first told of the stunt.

But now Carole, 59, of Penwortham, said she is bursting with pride at her “inspirational” mother’s achievement.

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She said: “We got lucky with the weather and had perfect blue skies. When she first got into the plane I wasn’t nervous, but as it went higher up and eventually turned into just a tiny dot I started to get butterflies. The cameraman on the ground turned to me and said ‘That’s three miles up you know,’ and I couldn’t believe it.

Patricia, 90, raised money for two causes close to her heart   Photo: Black Knights parachute centrePatricia, 90, raised money for two causes close to her heart   Photo: Black Knights parachute centre
Patricia, 90, raised money for two causes close to her heart Photo: Black Knights parachute centre

“When she landed it was so emotional, I was crying my eyes out. We’re all so proud of her. We’re a really close family and spend as much time as we can together so it’s been difficult with Coronavirus but mum has coped so well.

“She’s well known in the community through playing crown green bowling and has had money pushed under her door. To do this at her age has really inspired people.”

To continue donating to Patricias fundraising pot, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/patricia-baker-90

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